The Buzz

Can you tell the difference between a lichen and a moss? They often look very similar, but there are a few key differences. 

Seeing coyotes in your neighborhood most is not cause for alarm because these animals are common throughout all of Illinois. You can keep yourself and your pets safe from them by following some simple, common-sense precautions.

Those snow forecasts you see can often be much ado about nothing, because snow is notoriously hard to accurately forecast. 

Winter weather isn't a guarantee that ticks don't pose a threat to you or your pets. If the temperature is above freezing and the ground isn't frozen, some ticks are still active, which means they can still spread tick-borne illnesses.

It's not just a myth that the world seems more quiet after a snowfall. There's science behind the silence.

Test your knowledge on these little-known creatures.

Think the full moon makes people act a little batty? Think again. This belief has existed for many moons, but it simply isn't true. 

What to watch for in the night sky this month.

Three types of swans populate our waterways, but these white birds can be hard to tell apart from one another. Learn what features can help you distinguish between trumpeter swans, tundra swans and mute swans.

Winter is the season for owls. Learn more about these mysterious and mystical creatures.

Dive into a shiver of sharks and other fun names we have for groups of animals. 

The snowy owl was seen sitting atop a utility pole in Monee.

Have you ever noticed that some snow is particularly sparkly or glittery? Scientists call it "snow sparkle," an effect caused by sunlight reflecting off ice crystals in the snow.

The mysterious mink lives across Illinois, but are not often seen by humans. 

How do turtles breathe while they are underwater all winter? By breathing through their butts, so to speak.